Tuesday, May 30, 2023

Phillies at Mets: May 30th to June 1st

1965 Topps #203
1965 Topps #533

Tuesday and Wednesday 7:10, Thursday 1:10
Citi Field - Flushing, NY

At the Ballpark:  On Wednesday night, the first 15,000 fans will receive a bobble head of Mets' broadcaster Howie Rose.

Phillies 25-28
4th Place in the N.L. East, 6 1/2 games behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Ranger Suarez (0-1, 9.82)
Aaron Nola (4-3, 4.59)
Zack Wheeler (4-4, 3.60)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Nick Castellanos - .300
Runs:  Nick Castellanos - 35
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 13
RBIs:  Alec Bohm - 37
Stolen Bases:  Bryson Stott - 8

Wins:  Four tied with - 4
ERA:  Zack Wheeler - 3.60
Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 76
Saves:  Craig Kimbrel - 7
Mets 27-27
3rd Place in the N.L. East, 5 games behind the Braves

 Mets Probables
Kodai Senga (4-3, 3.94)
Carlos Carrasco (1-2, 6.75)
Max Scherzer (4-2, 3.54)

Mets Leaders
Average:  Brandon Nimmo - .306
Runs:  Pete Alonso - 38
Home Runs:  Pete Alonso - 20
RBIs:  Pete Alonso - 46
Stolen Bases:  Starling Marte - 14

Wins:  Tylor Megill - 5
ERA:  Tylor Megill - 4.67
Strikeouts:  Kodai Senga - 61
Saves:  David Robertson - 8
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2023 Chachi #23 Gregory Soto


#30
Gregory Soto
Relief Pitcher

Bats:  Left  Throws:  Left  Height:  6'1"  Weight:  234
Opening Day Age:  28
Born:  February 11, 1995, Bajos de Haina, Dominican Republic
Acquired:  Traded by the Detroit Tigers with Kody Clemens to the Phillies for Nick Maton, Donny Sands and Matt Vierling, January 7, 2023
Contract Status:  Arbitration eligible 2024
Major League Teams:  Detroit Tigers 2019-2022; Philadelphia Phillies 2023

Gregory Soto joined the Phillies in January, but it cost the Phillies two players who were important parts of the 2022 National League Champions' clubhouse.  The deal could ultimate work out for both clubs, but all three key players in the swap have struggled somewhat so far in 2023.  Vierling is batting .241 as the Tigers' regular right fielder, while Maton is hitting just .165 as their most used third baseman.  Soto has appeared in 25 games for the Phillies and has been plagued by four awful outings.  In 20 of his 25 relief appearances, he's not been charged with any runs.

Soto was an All-Star with the Tigers in 2021 and 2022, saving 18 and 30 games respectively in each of those seasons.  He's got one save so far with the Phillies, but most opportunities will likely go to Craig Kimbrel, Seranthony Dominguez or Jose Alvarado (when healthy).

Other Notable Baseball Cards
First Mainstream Card:  2018 Bowman Draft #BD-53
Topps Flagship Set Appearances (3):  2019, 2022-2023
Newest Card Added to My Phillies Collection:  2023 Topps #86
Total Cards in My Phillies Collection:  1 as of 5/29/23.

Complete Chachi Checklist
2023 Chachi #23

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Monday, May 29, 2023

Game 53 - Covey Crushed in Loss to Braves

2007 Topps Update #UH21
Braves 11, Phillies 4
Game 53 - Sunday Night, May 28th in Atlanta
Record - 25-28, 4th Place, 7 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Seven first inning runs doomed the Phillies in this Sunday night, 11-4 loss to the Braves

What It Means:  After splitting the series against the Braves, and standing pat in the standings, the Phillies have an off-day on Memorial Day.  They'll open a three-game series against the Mets on Tuesday night.

What Happened:  Dylan Covey didn't survive the first inning, and he was charged with all seven runs, although two were unearned due to errors (on the same play) by Trea Turner and Kyle Schwarber.  Three of the seven runs came on home runs from Matt Olson and Austin Riley within the first minutes of the game.  Olson would add another two-run home run in the fifth inning.  The Phillies received home runs from Brandon Marsh and Kyle Schwarber, but it wasn't nearly enough to overcome the early deficit.  Schwarber would have had two home runs in this game, but he was robbed of one by Michael Harris II who leaped over the center field fence to bring the home run ball back for an impressive F8.

Featured Card:  Covey is unlikely to appear on any actual Phillies mainstream baseball cards.  Covey became the fourth Phillies pitcher to give up at least seven runs on 30 or fewer pitches, joining J.D. Durbin, Mark Leiter and Don Carman.  (H/T @paul_boye).  Durbin appeared in 18 games for the Phillies in 2007, making 10 starts.  On September 1st that season, he'd allow seven runs against the Marlins without retiring a batter.  Clay Condrey settled things down with three scoreless innings of relief, but the Phillies would still lose that game, 12-6.
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2023 Chachi #22 Connor Brogdon


#75
Connor Michael Brogdon
Relief Pitcher

Bats:  Right  Throws:  Right  Height:  6'6"  Weight:  205
Opening Day Age:  28
Born:  January 29, 1995, Clovis, CA
Acquired:  Drafted by the Phillies in the 10th round of the 2017 amateur draft, June 13, 2017
Contract Status:  Arbitration eligible 2024
Major League Teams:  Philadelphia Phillies 2020-2023
World Series Appearances:  Philadelphia Phillies 2022

Connor Brogdon made his debut with the Phillies during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, and he's been a regular contributor out of the club's bullpen ever since.  He appeared in a career-high 56 games in 2021, and 47 games in 2022.  He's on pace to have a career year in 2023, owning a 2.45 ERA through 23 games (as of Saturday).

In the 2022 postseason, Brogdon appeared in seven games overall, allowing two runs in 8 2/3 innings pitched.  He was fantastic in the World Series, making three relief appearances and not allowing a run in four innings while walking none and striking out seven.

2020 Chachi #39
2021 Chachi #22
2022 Chachi #22

Other Notable Baseball Cards
First Mainstream Card:  2021 Topps Update #US218
Topps Flagship Set Appearances (1):  2021
Newest Card Added to My Phillies Collection:  2022 Choice Lehigh Valley IronPigs #7
Total Cards in My Phillies Collection:  7 as of 5/28/23.

2023 Chachi #22

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Sunday, May 28, 2023

Game 52 - Wheeler Dominates in Win Over Braves

2023 Topps Now
Road to Opening Day #OD-189
Phillies 2, Braves 1
Game 52 - Saturday Afternoon, May 27th in Atlanta
Record - 25-27, 4th Place, 6 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Zack Wheeler put on an eight-inning pitching clinic in this 2-1 win over the Braves.

What It Means:  The Phillies will attempt the series win on Sunday night in the series finale.

What Happened:  Wheeler was in complete control.  He threw 106 pitches, allowing three hits and a walk while striking out 12.  Craig Kimbrel allowed a ninth inning Sean Murphy solo home run before recording his seventh save of the season and the 401st save for his career.  The Phillies scored both their runs in the fifth.  Bryson Stott scored Brandon Marsh on a sacrifice fly, and Trea Turner then doubled home Kody Clemens.  The Phillies offense was otherwise quiet, but those two runs were all Wheeler would need.

Featured Card:  After turning in one of his best starts so far in a Phillies uniform, Wheeler owns a 2.10 ERA in his Phillies starts against the Braves.  Wheeler earned a Topps Now card for his performance.  While I wait for that card to arrive in the mail, here's his Topps Now Road to Opening Day card.
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2023 Chachi #21 Andrew Bellatti


#64
Andrew James Bellatti
Relief Pitcher

Bats:  Right  Throws:  Right  Height:  6'1"  Weight:  190
Opening Day Age:  31
Born:  August 5, 1991, San Diego, CA
Acquired:  Signed as a free agent with the Phillies, November 19, 2021
Contract Status:  Arbitration eligible 2025
Major League Teams:  Tampa Bay Rays 2015; Miami Marlins 2021; Philadelphia Phillies 2022-2023
World Series Appearances:  Philadelphia Phillies 2022

A pleasant surprise for the Phillies bullpen last season, Andrew Bellatti appeared in 59 games, making one start and serving as an opener for a bullpen game last July 12th.  Only Jose Alvarado, also with 59, pitched in as many games last season for the National League Champions.  Overall, Bellatti was 4-4 with a 3.31 ERA over 54 1/3 innings.  He pitched in eight postseason games, owning an impressive 1.29 ERA in seven innings pitched.

Bellatti made the opening day roster in 2023, but landed on the 15-day IL on April 22nd with right triceps tendinitis.  He was activated on May 10th, and on the active roster for 11 games before being optioned down to Lehigh Valley to open up a roster spot for the newly acquired Dylan Covey.  Bellatti hasn't found the same success in 2023 as of yet, as he owns a 5.68 ERA through 15 appearances and 12 2/3 innings pitched.

Other Notable Baseball Cards
First Mainstream Card:  2009 Bowman Draft Picks & Prospects #BDPP37
Topps Flagship Set Appearances (0):  N/A
Newest Card Added to My Phillies Collection:  2022 Philadelphia Phillies Photo Cards #64
Total Cards in My Phillies Collection:  1 as of 5/27/23.

Complete Chachi Checklist
2023 Chachi #21

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Saturday, May 27, 2023

Game 51 - Kimbrel Notches 400th Career Save


Phillies 6, Braves 4
Game 51 - Friday Night, May 26th in Atlanta
Record - 24-27, 4th Place, 7 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Following a late surge from the offense, Craig Kimbrel pitched a scoreless ninth inning to clinch his 400th career save, becoming just the eighth pitcher in MLB history to join that club.

What It Means:  The Phillies have two more games to go against the Braves, and then inexplicably have an off day on Memorial Day.

What Happened:  The Phillies scored twice in the third, sixth and seventh innings.  Nick Castellanos laced a two-run RBI triple to right in the third, collecting his first triple with the Phillies.  Brandon Marsh added a two-run single in the sixth.  In the seventh, insurance runs were added when Trea Turner doubled home Bryson Stott and Bryce Harper scored Turner with a sacrifice fly.

Starting pitcher Taijuan Walker pitched into the seventh inning, departing with only three runs allowed despite giving up 10 hits.

Featured Card:  With his family and friends watching the game from the stands, Kimbrel induced a ground out to third from Ronald Acuna, Jr. to secure the win and his 400th save.  Kenley Jansen joined the club just a few weeks ago.  As it stands now, Kimbrel joins a group of elite relievers:  Mariano Rivera (652), Trevor Hoffman (601), Lee Smith (478), Francisco Rodriguez (437), John Franco (424), Billy Wagner (422), Jansen (401) and now Kimbrel (400).

Transaction:  Before the game, the Phillies claimed Cal Stevenson (of) off waivers from the San Francisco Giants and optioned him to Lehigh Valley.  Noah Song (rhp) was moved to the 60-day Inured List to make room for Stevenson on the 40-man roster.

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Game 50 - Phils Can't Hold Off Braves in Loss

2023 Topps #86
Braves 8, Phillies 5
Game 50 - Thursday Night, May 25th in Atlanta
Record - 23-27, 4th Place, 8 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies came back late to tie this game, but Gregory Soto gave up three runs in the eighth inning as the Braves prevailed, 8-5.

What It Means:  This was a tough one, as the bullpen had been one of the more reliable aspects of the Phillies' play of late.

What Happened:  Aaron Nola battled through six innings, allowing five runs on eight hits while striking out seven.  Trailing 2-0, the Phillies scored three times in the second, with Alec Bohm hitting a two-run home run and Bryson Stott later doubling home Brandon Marsh.  The Braves quickly tied up the score when Marcell Ozuna hit a solo home run in the bottom of the second, and they'd take the lead in the fourth on a sacrifice fly from Michael Harris II.  The Phillies again tied it 4-4 in the top of the fifth on a Bryce Harper solo home run, but then Austin Riley homered in the bottom of the inning to put the Braves on top again.  

The Phillies should have taken the lead in the seventh.  Kyle Schwarber doubled with Harper scoring, but then Nick Castellanos was ruled out at home as his leg glided over the plate, never touching it.  Soto was in trouble quickly in the eighth, and would depart having allowed three runs on four hits and a  walk, and with the Braves now ahead for good, 8-5.

Featured Card:  Soto, an All-Star with the Tigers the past two seasons, hasn't been bad in the majority of his appearances this season.  He's appeared in 25 games, only allowing runs in six of those appearances.  He's had four appearances, including this game against the Braves, where he's allowed three or more runs.  Soto has entered games with 12 inherited runners, allowing only two runners to score.  Soto would be a good candidate to appear with the Phillies in the 2023 Topps Update set.
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Friday, May 26, 2023

2023 Chachi #20 Yunior Marte


#43
Yunior Marte
Relief Pitcher

Bats:  Right  Throws:  Right  Height:  6'2"  Weight:  180
Opening Day Age:  28
Born:  February 2, 1995, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Acquired:  Traded by the San Francisco Giants to the Phillies for Erik Miller, January 9, 2023
Contract Status:  Arbitration eligible 2026
Major League Teams:  San Francisco Giants 2022; Philadelphia Phillies 2023

In early January, the Phillies dealt minor league reliever Erik Miller, a fourth round draft pick in 2019, to the Giants in exchange for right-hander Yunior Marte.  Marte has been pitching professionally since 2013, spending seven seasons in the Royals minor league system and all of 2021 with the Giants' Triple-A team, before earning a spot in the Giants bullpen in 2022.  In 39 games for the Giants last season, he was 1-1 with a 5.44 ERA over 48 innings pitched.

Marte has been shuttled back and forth to Lehigh Valley often so far this season, with four separate stints with the Phillies including as the 27th man for the April 18th double header against the White Sox.  In nine games through Wednesday, he's the owner of an 11.25 ERA in eight innings pitched.  Marte has been hot or cold, with six scoreless appearances and three appearances in which he allows at least two runs in an inning or less.

Other Notable Baseball Cards
First Mainstream Card:  2022 Topps Update #US246
Topps Flagship Set Appearances (1):  2022
Newest Card Added to My Phillies Collection:  N/A
Total Cards in My Phillies Collection:  0 as of 5/25/23.

Complete Chachi Checklist
2023 Chachi #20

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Thursday, May 25, 2023

Game 49 - Clutch Hits from Turner and Bohm Deliver Big Win

2023 Phillies Kids Club
Phillies 6, Diamondbacks 5 (10 Innings)
Game 49 - Wednesday Afternoon, May 24th in Philadelphia
Record - 23-26, 4th Place, 7 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies capped a dramatic come-from-behind victory with three late runs in this 6-5 extra inning win.

What It Means:  This was a huge, much-needed win and a great way to end the series before boarding the plane for a four-game set in Atlanta.

What Happened:  The Phillies were trailing 5-3 with two outs and a runner on in the bottom of the ninth.  Ranger Suarez had allowed five runs in his five innings of work, and the Phillies had plated three runs in the sixth on RBI singles from Alec Bohm and Brandon Marsh.  Down to their final out, Trea Turner launched a two-run home run to left center field, tying the game and staving off defeat.  It was a huge home run for Turner, and hopefully the start of his turnaround from a season-long slump.

In the 10th, and with pinch-runner Dalton Guthrie at second, Kyle Schwarber was internationally walked and both runners advanced on a passed ball.  Bohm lofted his single over the head of right fielder Pavin Smith to start the on-field celebration.

Featured Card:  I was actually mildly concerned at the start of the season I wouldn't have enough Turner baseball cards to feature in these game summary posts.  Unfortunately, that wouldn't be an issue as Turner has struggled mightily at the start of the 2023 season, mired in the worst slump of his career.  This is the Phillies Kids Club card for Turner, available at the ballpark for kids who have joined the aforementioned club.  We have three of the 12 cards in the set so far, with our youngest son Ben in charge of collecting the final nine as the season progresses.
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Phillies at Braves: May 25th to May 28th

1965 Topps #72
1965 Topps #346

Thursday and Friday 7:20, Saturday 4:10 and Sunday 7:10
Truist Park - Atlanta, GA

At the Ballpark:  Tonight, the first 15,000 fans will receive an OutKast bobble head featuring "music legends and lifelong Braves fans, Big Boi and Andre 3000."  The bobble head actually looks pretty cool.  Friday's game features postgame fireworks and on Sunday the first 3,000 kids will receive a Blooper beach towel.

Phillies 23-26
4th Place in the N.L. East, 7 games behind the Braves

 Phillies Probables
Aaron Nola (4-3, 4.31)
Taijuan Walker (3-2, 5.79)
Zack Wheeler (3-4, 4.11)
TBD

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Bryson Stott - .291
Runs:  Nick Castellanos - 33
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 12
RBIs:  Alec Bohm - 35
Stolen Bases:  J.T. Realmuto - 7

Wins:  Aaron Nola and Matt Strahm - 4
ERA:  Zack Wheeler - 4.11
Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 64
Saves:  Jose Alvarado and Craig Kimbrel - 5
Braves 30-19
1st Place in the N.L. East, 5 1/2 games ahead of the Marlins and Mets

 Braves Probables
Dylan Dodd (2-1, 6.46)
Jared Shuster (1-2, 5.49)
Charlie Morton (5-4, 3.61)
Spencer Strider (4-2, 2.97)

Braves Leaders
Average:  Ronald Acuna - .330
Runs:  Ronald Acuna - 46
Home Runs:  Matt Olson - 14
RBIs:  Sean Murphy and Matt Olson - 36
Stolen Bases:  Ronald Acuna - 20

Wins:  Charlie Morton - 5
ERA:  Bryce Elder - 2.01
Strikeouts:  Spencer Strider - 97
Saves:  A.J. Minter - 7
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Game 48 - Big Hit Eludes Phils in Latest Loss

2017 Topps Update #US46
Diamondbacks 4, Phillies 3
Game 48 - Tuesday Night, May 23rd in Philadelphia
Record - 22-26, 4th Place, 7 games behind the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Dylan Covey made his Phillies debut and provided five much-needed innings of work, but the Phillies offense couldn't string together many clutch hits in this 4-3 loss.

What It Means:  The Diamondbacks take the series, and a win on Wednesday was needed to avoid the sweep.

What Happened:  Matt Strahm served as the opener, pitching the first two innings and giving up a pair of runs.  Covey covered the third through seventh innings, allowing only one more run to score while striking out six.  The Phillies tied the game up 3-3 in the seventh with the key hit being a pinch-hit single from Alec Bohm up the middle to tie the game.  A costly passed ball from J.T. Realmuto in the eighth set up the Diamondbacks taking the lead again when Corbin Carroll singled home Lourdes Gurriel Jr.  Seranthony Dominguez took the loss after failing to retire a batter in the eighth, while allowing two hits and a walk.

Featured Card:  Covey has appeared on a few mainstream baseball cards, with his first being found in the 2017 Topps Update set, shown here.  Between 2017 and 2023, he's appeared in 63 games with the White Sox, eight games with the Red Sox, one game with the Dodgers and one game (so far) with the Phillies.

Transaction:  Covey (rhp) was activated and Andrew Bellatti (rhp) was optioned to Lehigh Valley.

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Game 47 - Snakes Slay Phils

2011 Topps Heritage Stamps #15
Diamodbacks 6, Phillies 3
Game 47 - Monday Night, May 22nd in Philadelphia
Record - 22-25, 4th Place, 7 games behind the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies couldn't overcome the Diamondbacks, losing this series opener, 6-3.

What It Means:  Did the Diamondbacks series actually happen?  Busy with work, for some strange reason at this time of year, I barely registered any of this series.  It didn't help the Phillies provided little reason to get excited until the final innings of Wednesday afternoon's series finale.

What Happened:  It seems I didn't miss much.  Zack Wheeler went six innings, allowing four runs (three earned) on eight hits while striking out three.  Errors by Bryson Stott in the second and Kody Clemens in the eighth led to two costly unearned runs.  Kyle Schwarber and Stott both hit solo home runs for the Phillies, who managed just six hits overall.

Featured Card:  I went through my Excel tracking schedule to find any Diamondbacks baseball cards in my collection, and this 2011 Topps Heritage Stamps card caught my eye.  Back in 2011, we thought the Phillies playoff run would never end and it seemed as if at least a few more World Series titles were in our future, especially with the arrival of Dominic Brown.  It was not to be.
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Monday, May 22, 2023

Diamondbacks at Phillies: May 22nd to May 24th

2014 Topps Heritage #408
2014 Topps Heritage #75

Monday and Tuesday 6:40, Wednesday 1:05
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA

At the Ballpark:  There are theme games planned for this series, but no giveaways.  Tuesday is Bark at the Park night and special theme ticket holders can bring their dogs to the ballpark to enjoy the game.

Diamondbacks 27-20
2nd Place in the N.L. West, 1 1/2 games behind the Dodgers

Diamondbacks Probables
Tommy Henry (1-1, 5.00)
Ryne Nelson (1-2, 5.48)
Zac Gallen (6-2, 2.95)

Diamondbacks Leaders
Average:  Lourdes Gurriel - .304
Runs:  Corbin Carroll - 30
Home Runs:  Christian Walker - 11
RBIs:  Christian Walker - 34
Stolen Bases:  Corbin Carroll - 13

Wins:  Zac Gallen - 6
ERA:  Zac Gallen - 2.95
Strikeouts:  Zac Gallen - 72
Saves:  Andrew Chapin - 6
Phillies 22-24
4th Place in the N.L. East, 7 games behind the Braves

 Phillies Probables
Zack Wheeler (3-3, 4.06)
Dylan Covey (0-0, 0.00)
Ranger Suarez (0-1, 10.50)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Nick Castellanos - .303
Runs:  Nick Castellanos - 32
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 11
RBIs:  Alec Bohm - 32
Stolen Bases:  J.T. Realmuto - 7

Wins:  Aaron Nola and Matt Strahm - 4
ERA:  Zack Wheeler - 4.06
Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 61
Saves:  Jose Alvarado and Craig Kimbrel - 5
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Game 46 - Stott Comes Through in a Pinch

2023 Topps Big League #29
Phillies 2, Cubs 1
Game 46 - Sunday Afternoon, May 21st in Philadelphia
Record - 22-24, 4th Place, 7 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Bryson Stott broke a scoreless tie with a two-run, pinch-hit home run in the seventh inning, and the Phillies would hold on for a 2-1 win over the Cubs.

What It Means:  The Phillies took the series, they have a modest two-game winning streak, and the Diamondbacks are heading to town for a three-game set beginning on Monday night.

What Happened:  Stott was given the day off initially, and entered in the seventh to pinch-hit for Josh Harrison after Edmundo Sosa had reached on a double.  That was it for the Phillies offense, although they did have four doubles on the day, including Nick Castellanos' 15th of the year.  Taijuan Walker did well on short rest, pitching 5 1/3 innings after not making it out of the first inning on Wednesday afternoon.  Craig Kimbrel allowed a ninth inning home run to Christopher Morel, but would eventually earn his 5th save of the season and the 399th save of his career.

Featured Card:  This is Stott's card from the Topps Big League set.  I'm looking forward to the soon to be released Topps Heritage set, which will pay tribute to the design of the 1974 set, and I plan to use as many of those cards as possible in future game summary posts.
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Sunday, May 21, 2023

Game 45 - Schwarber Slams Phils to Victory

2023 Topps Now
Road to Opening Day #OD-188
Phillies 12, Cubs 3
Game 45 - Saturday Afternoon, May 20th in Philadelphia
Record - 21-24, 4th Place, 7 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies busted through with six first inning runs, including a grand slam from Kyle Schwarber, breaking their five-game losing streak and winning definitively, 12-3.

What It Means:  This was a much-needed win, and allowed the line-up to loosen up and smile a little.

What Happened:  Schwarber had been mired in an awful slump and the first inning grand slam was a welcome sign of what could hopefully be the start of his turn around.  Kody Clemens added a two-run home run later in the first inning.  What's better is that the Phillies kept piling on throughout the game, adding six more runs, including RBI hits from Bryson Stott, Bryce Harper and Edmundo Sosa.  Now if Trea Turner could only get going . . .

Aaron Nola was the recipient of the outburst, and he pitched seven solid innings while allowing two runs on four hits.  The Cubs didn't score until the sixth inning, and Nola struck out 10 batters.

Featured Card:  Here's Schwarber's card from the online exclusive Topps Now Road to Opening Day Phillies team set.

Transactions:  Prior to the game, the Phillies added bullpen arm Yunior Marte (rhp) and optioned Erich Uelmen back to Lehigh Valley.  Additionally, Dylan Covey (rhp) was claimed off waivers from the Dodgers, and he'll likely be the starting pitcher on Tuesday night.  To make room for Covey on the 40-man roster, Darick Hall was moved to the 60-day Injured List.

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2023 Chachi #19 Andrew Vasquez


#37
Andrew Jude Vasquez
Relief Pitcher

Bats:  Left  Throws:  Left  Height:  6'6"  Weight:  235
Opening Day Age:  29
Born:  September 14, 1993, Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Acquired:  Selected off waivers from the San Francisco Giants, November 9, 2022
Contract Status:  Arbitration eligible 2026
Major League Teams:  Minnesota Twins 2018-2019; Los Angeles Dodgers 2021; Toronto Blue Jays 2022; San Francisco Giants 2022; Philadelphia Phillies 2023

Andrew Vasquez took a circuitous route to the Phillies roster, in a journey that began last year on August 2nd when he was selected off waivers from the Blue Jays.  He'd appear in four games for the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, before his spot on the 40-man roster was needed when Sam Coonrod was activated from the 60-day Injured List.  Back on waivers, the Giants claimed Vasquez on August 17, 2022, and he'd appear in one game with the club on October 5th.  The Phillies would claim him off waivers, for the second time in a year, on November 9th.

Vasquez had a strong showing in spring training, making the club as a long reliever.  Used mainly in low leverage situations so far in 2023, he's done very well, earning a 1.33 ERA in 20 1/3 innings pitched through Friday night.  His next mainstream baseball card will also be his first, as Vasquez has only appeared in minor league team sets to date.  It's players like Vasquez that are the reason these Chachi custom cards exist in the first place.  His time with the Phillies shouldn't go unrecognized, and at least he's now got this virtual Chachi Phillies baseball card to call his own.  I'm sure he's excited.

Other Notable Baseball Cards
First Mainstream Card:  N/A
Topps Flagship Set Appearances (0):  N/A
Newest Card Added to My Phillies Collection:  N/A
Total Cards in My Phillies Collection:  0 as of 5/20/23.

Complete Chachi Checklist
2023 Chachi #19

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Saturday, May 20, 2023

Game 44 - It's Not Going Well

1996 Circa #166
Cubs 10, Phillies 1
Game 44 - Friday Night, May 19th in Philadelphia
Record - 20-24, 4th Place, 8 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Nothing went well in this lifeless 10-1 loss to the Cubs.

What It Means:  Every time I think the Phillies have hit rock bottom for the season, a game like this happens and I reset the goalposts.

What Happened:  Phillies' starting pitcher Ranger Suarez lasted only two innings, giving up four runs on five hits and three walks.  Erich Uelmen made his Phillies debut in the fifth, and while he allowed four runs, three were unearned due to another error by Trea Turner at shortstop.  Utility player Kody Clemens had to enter the game in the ninth to record the final two outs.  It was Clemens' third appearance in May on the mound.

The Phillies offense was absent, managing three hits on the night, including a double from Bryce Harper.

Featured Card:  The Phillies have a seven-game losing streak against the Cubs, as the Cubs swept the season series last year, winning all six meetings.  As relayed by Scott Franzke last night at the end of the radio broadcast, that's the longest losing streak against the Cubs since the 1995 and 1996 seasons, when they also lost seven in a row.  That streak came to an end on June 4, 1996 when Gregg Jefferies went 4 for 5 at the plate and Pete Incaviglia drove in six runs as the Phillies routed the Cubs, 12-3.
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2023 Chachi #18 Matt Strahm


#25
Matthew Scott Strahm
Starting Pitcher

Bats:  Right  Throws:  Left  Height:  6'2"  Weight:  190
Opening Day Age:  31
Born:  November 12, 1991, West Fargo, ND
Acquired:  Signed as a free agent with the Phillies, December 9, 2022
Contract Status:  Signed through 2024
Major League Teams:  Kansas City Royals 2016-2017; San Diego Padres 2018-2021; Boston Red Sox 2022; Philadelphia Phillies 2023

I'm a Matt Strahm fan.  He's super competitive, willing to pitch in any spot, be it starting, long relief or closing, and he collects a baseball card for each player to hit a home run off him.  He's allowed two home runs so far this season, which means he'll need to track down baseball cards of the Reds' Will Myers and the Rockies' C.J. Cron if he doesn't have them already.  Strahm has been one of the team's more reliable pitchers so far this season, making six starts and appearing in 10 games overall with a 2.81 ERA in 32 innings pitched.

Strahm signed a two-year deal with the Phillies, taking him through next season.  He's a veteran of seven big league seasons, having spent most his time with the Padres as a reliever.  Strahm's best season to date came in 2018 when he had a 2.05 ERA in 41 games and 61 1/3 innings pitched.  His arrival meant Darick Hall had to give up his #25 to the more senior player, with Hall switching to #24.

Other Notable Baseball Cards
First Mainstream Card:  2017 Bowman #64
Topps Flagship Set Appearances (7):  2017-2023
Newest Card Added to My Phillies Collection:  2023 Topps #283
Total Cards in My Phillies Collection:  1 as of 5/20/23.

Complete Chachi Checklist
2023 Chachi #18

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Friday, May 19, 2023

Game 43 - Phils Swept Out of California Again

2016 Chachi Archives #9
Giants 7, Phillies 3
Game 43 - Wednesday Afternoon, May 17th in San Francisco
Record - 20-23, 4th Place, 7 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Phillies starting pitcher Taijuan Walker couldn't escape the first inning and reliever Gregory Soto couldn't escape the eighth in this 7-3 loss to the Giants.

What It Means:  The Giants swept the Phillies out of town.  They're 0-6 so far this season in California, including the sweep at the beginning of May by the Dodgers.  A six-game homestead starts on Friday night against the Cubs and Diamondbacks.

What Happened:  Walker looked lost, departing after allowing four runs on four hits and a pair of walks, while recording only two outs.  The bullpen held its own after that, highlighted by 2 1/3 scoreless innings from Matt Strahm, but the Giants plated three runs in the eighth against Soto.  The Phillies offense was sparse.  J.T. Realmuto had a two-run double in the fourth, followed by an Alec Bohm sacrifice fly.

Featured Card:   Here's a fairly rare 2016 Chachi Archives card of current Giants' pitching coach Andrew Bailey.  The Phillies wore throwback uniforms and pillbox hats in a game against the Brewers in early June 2016, celebrating 1970s Retro Night, and I commemorated the occasion with a set of Chachi Archives cards.  Bailey, a veteran of eight big league seasons and the Giants' pitching coach since 2020, spent the 2016 season with the Phillies.  He was 3-1 that year with a 6.40 ERA in 33 relief appearances.
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Cubs at Phillies: May 19th to May 21st

2014 Topps Heritage #125
2023 Chachi 1965 Topps Missing Links #7

Friday 7:05, Saturday 4:05 and Sunday 1:35
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA

At the Ballpark:  On Saturday, the Phillies will hold their annual Salute to Service Night.  Major, the Phillies "service pup-in training for veterans with disabilities" will be introduced to fans in a pregame ceremony.  On Sunday, all kids will receive a Phanatic children's book.

Cubs 19-24
Tied for 3rd Place in the N.L. East, 5 games behind the Brewers

 Cubs Probables
Marcus Stroman (2-4, 3.24)
Jameson Taillon (0-2, 6.66)
Justin Steele (6-1, 2.44)

Cubs Leaders
Average:  Ian Happ - .303
Runs:  Cody Bellinger - 29
Home Runs:  Patrick Wisdom - 12
RBIs:  Patrick Wisdom - 23
Stolen Bases:  Nico Hoerner - 12

Wins:  Justin Steele - 6
ERA:  Justin Steele - 2.44
Strikeouts:  Justin Steele and Marcus Stroman - 47
Saves:  Brad Boxberger - 2
Phillies 20-23
4th Place in the N.L. East, 7 games behind the Braves

 Phillies Probables
Ranger Suarez (0-0, 6.75)
Aaron Nola (3-3, 4.53)
TBA

Phillies Leaders
Average:  J.T. Realmuto - .304
Runs:  Nick Castellanos - 31
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 10
RBIs:  Alec Bohm - 32
Stolen Bases:  J.T. Realmuto - 7

Wins:  Four tied with - 3
ERA:  Zack Wheeler - 4.06
Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 61
Saves:  Jose Alvarado - 5
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2023 Chachi #17 Taijuan Walker


#99
Taijuan Emmanuel Walker
Starting Pitcher

Bats:  Both  Throws:  Right  Height:  6'4"  Weight:  235
Opening Day Age:  30
Born:  August 13, 1992, Shreveport, LA
Acquired:  Signed as a free agent with the Phillies, December 16, 2022
Contract Status:  Signed through 2026
Major League Teams:  Seattle Mariners 2013-2016; Arizona Diamondbacks 2017-2019; Seattle Mariners 2020; Toronto Blue Jays 2020; New York Mets 2021-2022; Philadelphia Phillies 2023

Taijuan Walker joined the Phillies starting pitching rotation in December, signing a four-year contract that will take him through the 2026 season.  He's a veteran of 10 big league seasons, having spent the most time pitching for the Mariners, beginning in 2013.  Walker was an 11 game winner with the Mariners in 2015, and a 12 game winner with the Mets last season - his best season to date statistically.  An All-Star in 2021, Walker was 12-5 with a 3.49 ERA in 157 1/3 innings pitched in 2022 for the Mets.

He's the fourth player to wear #99 for the team, joining Mitch Williams (1993), Turk Wendell (2001) and So Taguchi (2008).

Other Notable Baseball Cards
First Mainstream Card:  2010 Bowman Draft Picks & Prospects #BDPP39
Topps Flagship Set Appearances (9):  2014-2022
Newest Card Added to My Phillies Collection:  2023 Topps Phillies #PHI-11
Total Cards in My Phillies Collection:  2 as of 5/17/23.

Complete Chachi Checklist
2023 Chachi #17

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Thursday, May 18, 2023

2023 Chachi #16 Bailey Falter


#70
Bailey Falter
Starting Pitcher

Bats:  Right  Throws:  Left  Height:  6'4"  Weight:  175
Opening Day Age:  25
Born:  April 24, 1997, Chino Hills, CA
Acquired:  Drafted by the Phillies in the 5th round of the 2015 amateur draft, June 9, 2015
Contract Status:  Arbitration eligible 2025
Major League Teams:  Philadelphia Phillies 2021-2023

Bailey Falter has battled injuries and inconsistency since joining the Phillies organization in 2015 as the team's 5th round draft pick.  A starting pitcher throughout his minor league career, he was first used as a reliever in 2021 by the Phillies appearing in 22 games throughout the season.  He'd make 16 starts with the 2022 Phillies, and appear in 20 games overall, going 6-4 with a 3.86 ERA.  His sole postseason appearance came in Game 4 of the NLCS, and he didn't make it out of the first inning.  Falter has started the 2023 season with an 0-7 record, and he was optioned to Lehigh Valley on May 16th in order to hopefully turn things around.

2017 Chachi BlueClaws Signing Autographs #2
2021 Chachi #39
2022 Chachi #19

Other Notable Baseball Cards
First Mainstream Card:  2015 Bowman Draft #3
Topps Flagship Set Appearances (0):  N/A
Newest Card Added to My Phillies Collection:  2023 Topps Phillies #PHI-8
Total Cards in My Phillies Collection:  12 as of 5/16/23.

2023 Chachi #16

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